News
Brad Bell chats on B&B's new opening, a Spencer preview & reality-soap hybrid!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Earlier this week, On-Air On-Soaps caught up with the executive producer and head writer of The Bold and the Beautiful during the series 6000th episode milestone celebration. Bell, who along with his creative team have won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series for two years running, look to be one of the odds-on favorites for a nomination going into this year’s competition with their new storytelling process of blurring the lines of reality drama, as they have successfully done with the homeless story and the lung cancer storyline.
Bell gave us his thoughts on the changes made to the new and exciting opening title sequence – fashion runway theme- debuting to audiences on February 21st, where his story focus is going to be as we move out of winter and into the beginning of Spring, and his success with socially relevant topics in the new B&B way of storytelling on soaps. Here’s our “quickie” chat with Brad!
So what did you think of the new opening? Is everything you had set out for it to be? And, how did the whole concept come about?
BRAD: I love it and we are going to be tweaking it before we air it. It is high-def and computer generated. We were working with CBS Digital and saw their Dancing with the Stars opening, and I got sick of looking at the current one, which I like, but it has been six and half years! And with this renewal from CBS, we really wanted to celebrate and say, “We are not on our way out. We are reinventing ourselves.” We take the audience’s time as very valuable and very seriously. So instead of looking at the same thing everyday that is mind-numbing, we thought, why not make it a little more interesting!
Are we going to continue to see B&B blur the lines of reality and daytime drama…as you have done with the homeless storyline and now with the lung cancer story? Will a new social issue be presented on the series every quarter of the year?
BRAD: I would not say we would do a social issue every quarter, but it is something we are going to continue doing, which is this style of keeping our characters in character and bringing in real people. It’s like a hybrid of reality and real daytime drama. That is our technique, and we are going to continue it subtly. We understand our primary purpose is to entertain, but if we can sneak in a little information and education on important topics that seem to fit organically within the show, we are going to do it.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
The 6000th episode that aired this week… are you very, very proud of it?
BRAD: I am very proud of it, and this is why we made it the 6000th episode. We knew it being the 6000th episode would bring a spotlight to it. It is saying we are a different production company and an evolving production company, and we are proud of it and proud of who we are. It’s very exciting!
What can fans of B&B look forward to as we move into spring?
BRAD: I am very excited about the Spencer family right now. I think Amber with her n’er-do-well mother, Tawny, are bringing that life and energy and humor and plot that comes with these characters. I am excited about seeing her interact with Liam. I think they are going to be a dynamic duo as the plot unravels. Also, we have Jacqui MacInnes Wood back and she is going to have her eyes on Bill Spencer. So Heather Tom’s “Katie” is going to have a rival! I feel very confident handing Heather the ball, because she delivers. It’s cool, because the Spencer family is now part of the fabric of the show. Don Diamont has done such a great job and they will all be something to watch in the coming months.
Will you continue to tell Stephanie’s lung cancer story?
BRAD: We have to continue to tell the lung cancer story with Stephanie, because Kathryn Joosten calls me and pesters me all the time! (Laughs) She is an amazing advocate for awareness for lung cancer. We are committed to Stephanie’s cancer, and doing as honest and a real a portrayal as we can.
For more coverage and interviews from B&B’s 6000th episode celebration, check out On-Air On-Soaps setside report and photo gallery here. And, interviews with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) here, and Jack Wagner (Nick) here.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
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Well,well, Brad Bell gives out some tidbits of what the show has comming up this spring. What caught my eye was Dollar Bill and Steffy. Brad had made a believer out of me that he has no respect for children/women/ or families.
This no-writer made his character of Brooke a career bed hopping Forrester slut with a couple of son in laws and plenty of baby mama drama to boot and now trying to make her into a Saint. Not before having her hike her leg up and screwing her teenage daughter’s ex-boyfriend, against the wall like a $2.00 whore.
But what has me wondering is how can you give Brooke and Ridge a son, RJ, and never use him? Brad make Brooke and Ridge a joke. He got Hopeless trying to become the next Brooke by staying glued to Bill’s rat face looking(Liam) hamster. She had a full paid scholarship for college, but she had to have Ollie Oil. Nobody is working except tryng to look down on Amber, when all of them including Hopeless are no better.
Brad Bell . too bad you don’t have what made your Father and Mother two of the best writer’s on the planet.
Wow! It sounds like you’re really hooked on the show. It’s definitely the show you love to hate. What fun would it be to watch a show where you agreed with everything?
Brad Bell, I got to be fair. You are trying some what to take the show in a more positive direction. Stephanie and Nick’s lung cases were Real eye opener for a lot of people. They both are on point with their action of how illness effect the entire family.
The homeless needed to be address but just giving Dayzee the spotlight make it look kind of pointless when there is so many other people that are still in need of help. Then to get rid of Marcus so that you can hook up Thomas and Dayzee turn me off. I am a black woman and feel that it was bad enough the way you did Marcus Father when he came to town. Donna, who kept the news from him all these years, who I have watch this show from the start and never heard of him. Letting Eric adopt Marcus and treating his real Father like dirt, and years later, him and Donna are so in love . That’s bull shi!.
And the Amber mess with the nasty trailer makes you look like a big hater for poor people.
I disagree with you about Dayzee and Marcus. What you don’t realize is that Bell is doing Dayzee’s portrayer, Kristolyn Lloyd, a huge complement. He’s positioning her into a classic love triangle with Thomas and Marcus. Bell is trying to integrate Dayzee into the fabric of the show by having her involved with two Forrester men. Triangles are what make soap characters interesting.
As for Marcus, the actor who portrays him, Texas Battle, like the actress who portrays Steffy, has side projects outside B&B, like feature films and takes breaks from the show. Bell incorporates these breaks into the show.
As an African-American woman, I get what the previous poster is saying. It’s great to see relationships irregardless of color, but that is not the real world. We also want to see an honest depiction of Black on Black love, which is rare in Daytime. And the scenes beween Thomas & Dayzee looked forced. There is no chemistry between the two. Now Amber & Marcus; there is definitely chemistry between those two! If Bell & the other writers really want to show scandal & punch to this storyline, let the baby turn out to be Marcus’ & then reveal a shocking twist – that Marcus & Amber planned this scam all along, & that Marcus is NOT Justin & Donna’s biological child. Was there ever a DNA test done to prove it? Perhaps Owen knew about it? Remember, Owen & Marcus entered the show together. Perhaps they were grifters scamming both the Forresters & Marones all along! What a hell of a twist THAT would be!
So Steffy is back and has not grown up yet. Steffy is written to be such trash. If Steffy is supposed to be exciting and daring, she is coming across as trashy, immature and nutty. Why not give her a man closer to her level of immaturity? Steffy is fits in the teen line with Liam, Hope and Oliver.
Why call Steffy trashy when every since Brooke hooked up with Ridge that’s all the show has been about, Brooke do the entire Forrester family and the Logan girls sex romps.
Brooke was a grown woman when she hiked her leg up to screw during her daughter’s Graduation. If you want to call someone trashy, be sure to include Donna/Katye/Dollar Bill/Ridge/Owen/Nick/ and the rest of the crew who think it’s all right to have sex on the job. I would like to see some good Fashion Shows.
You guys sound kinda crazy…LOL